Color Creates Light: Studies with Hans Hofmann

I studied last year at the ASL in NYC with a former student of the artist Vytlacil named in this book, so reading this book, in part describing the historical moments, in part describing the HH's "theories" was very exciting for me. The author was so good to merge the two aspects and make both of them interesting and charming. Interesting and charming for the artistic ideas related to HH's teaching through the words of his former students and charming for the description of the cultural and social atmosphere surrounding the Hofmann's group: a sort of greek agora' of the classical time where people where gathering to discuss about different aspects of culture.I really feel to suggest this book to everyone interested in that artistic development but also to art in general because it may help to clarify what art is and what mere decoration is.Anyway I suggest this book to the interested reader and compliments to Tina Dickey to have put together such an interesting book.

This book provides insight on the teachings of Hans Hofmann from the mouths of his students. Artists that studied with him are explaining his ideas in their own words and "paint a picture" that artists of today can understand and apply in their own work. I think that it has already affected the way I look at my own abstract paintings. I ask myself different questions. The book is also an interesting and very complete biography of Hans. I now have a much better understanding of the development of abstract painting. The images of his work are great. The book was really much more than I expected. Thank you, Tina Dickey for a wonderful and important book. Anna Lee Steed

Thorough discussion of Hofmann's life and teaching philosophy though not as much of a discussion of his creative process as I hoped for. Illustrations were high quality but sparse.

Well written compelling coverage of the era and of the pivotal moment in art.Especially appreciated the effort to articulate Hofmann's teaching methods and goals - both deemed extremely elusive.High quality images and engaging style of the writer make this an enjoyable as well an important book.

I bought this because I wished to learn something more about his teaching.But, it is more on the side of being a fairly comprehensive and densely written historical biography. To be fair, I've only gotten through the first quarter of the book, and I love the pictures and thoughts about him interacting with people. Maybe more lesson-like thoughts will come later? Anyway, his methods in painting tend to be more about changing an artist's perspective to see their work in a new way. I will continue to punch away at this, since it is interesting work he was doing.

Tina Dickey made me want to follow the life of Hans Hofmann, his early life, teachings, student influences. I was inspired to have a number of my artist friends all purchase a copy of Color Creates Light: Studies with Hans Hofmann....We have been having a running dialogue about every art theory debate you can think off....My special thanks to Ms Dickey for her generosity of spirit, passion, and long term friendships.....

Insight to Hans Hoffman and his school of painting...

I treasure this book. The interviews with students made Hofmann's teachings on picture plane and color so much clearer. I paint and teach and both occupations will be better for having read the book. I read it straight through and will be so glad to have it to return to.

Well , if you do like pictures , beautiful , colorful pictures of paintings , this book is NOT for you. This book could make feel smarter, but not a better painter . Hell no ! That is done through action and observation , not words. Maybe it would come as a good read for people who like them better than color, value or line . I don t think Tina Dickey is aware that artist are visual people above all else . I find this book disappointing on painting turf .